Definitions

jiù (verb) to save; to rescue
jiù (verb) to assist; to help

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "救", conveying the sense of to save or rescue, is structurally composed of the component "求", indicating seeking or demanding, combined with "攵", a variant form representing action or striking, which together etymologically suggest actively intervening to provide assistance or halt harm. Its early semantic range included broader concepts of preventing, stopping, or remedying adverse situations, as evidenced in classical usage where it could apply to averting disaster or correcting faults. Over time, while the core notion of delivering from danger remained, its meaning condensed more specifically towards salvation from immediate peril, though it continues to function in extended contexts such as healing or correction within compound formations, all without undergoing significant graphical change to its fundamental structure.

Example Sentences Hide

我。

Qǐng jiù jiu wǒ.

Please save me.

他会你。

Tā huì jiù nǐ.

He will save you.

快打急电话!

Kuài dǎ jíjiù diànhuà!

Quick, call the emergency number!

援队很快赶到了。

Jiùyuán duì hěn kuài gǎndào le.

The rescue team arrived quickly.

这种药能很多人。

Zhè zhǒng yào néng jiù hěn duō rén.

This medicine can save many people.

他们正在努力挽婚姻。

Tāmen zhèngzài nǔlì wǎnjiù hūnyīn.

They are trying hard to save their marriage.

医生了他的命。

Yīshēng jiùle tā de mìng.

The doctor saved his life.

为了那个孩子,他跳进了冰冷的河里。

Wèile jiù nàgè háizi, tā tiàojìnle bīnglěng de hé li.

In order to save that child, he jumped into the icy river.